Question Can the service guy access my phone content?

[minimix]

Hello,

I was wondering if you can help with the next dilemma:

I have a broken Xiaomi Poco 3 NFC running Android 10, protected with password. It's not working anymore so I can't reset it to factory settings. If I will take it to a repair shop, after fixing will be that guy able to access my phone content without my consent?

Thank you

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Data on Android devices is encrypted with your password, so as long as you don't have to give your password to the service people, they would not be able to access your sensitive data.

 

[VidJunky]

Welcome to Android Central forums. I've recently taken 2 devices to YouBreakIFix and both times they requested our passwords. They should respect the client's privacy. In the US there have been lawsuits for breach of trust.

 

[dangerousfen]

Surely, they cannot test the device after repair without using your password to access the phone.
You would need to allow some trust here.

 

[VidJunky]

I suppose the best case is the app that has your sensitive data has a separate password and isn't automatically accessable simply by having access to the phone.

Sometime I only just now thought of would be to try and access the app or service where this days is stored via an outside browser. Maybe you could log out of other instances and/or change your password. Obviously this wouldn't work for anything stored directly on the device but it's a thought.

 

[Sizzers]

I wouldn't be at all happy entrusting my phone data to any third party.

That's why I like Samsung's 'Maintenance mode' to prevent any access to your personal data should the phone require repair etc.

 

[SeeBeeEss]

I wouldn't be at all happy entrusting my phone data to any third party.

That's why I like Samsung's 'Maintenance mode' to prevent any access to your personal data should the phone require repair etc.

Ditto for Repair Mode accessible with eligible Pixel devices, such as the 6, 7 and 8 series and the Fold. Info on Repair Mode may be found HERE.

 

[VidJunky]

Is it possible to get into maintenance mode if you can't access the device? Even if you could turn it on via Find My Mobile it couldn't take effect until the unlock code was put in to actually boot the device and then wait for the device to access the command. I think maintenance mode is a great thought but it remains impractical. What is the most common repair? Screen replacement, wouldn't you agree? Well if you're taking your device in for screen repair there's a better than not chance that the screen is totally out. I mean look at how many people run around with cracked screens, like it is nothing. You can't turn something on if you cannot see the options that get you there. Or like in this case the device doesn't power on... It's a great thought, a good idea even if you're in the low percentage of people who are able to access it prior to turning the device over for repair.

 

[BijouVixen]

I had to have my last two Samsung Folds repaired at a Samsung Service Center and both times they had asked me for my password which I was at first reluctant to give to them but didn't want to make a scene or fuss so I did.

In retrospect I'm thinking I probably should had not or had I known they would need my password I would had put more effort in hiding or ummm moving certain things around where I would had been more comfortable leaving it with them.

I guess it was just me being paranoid ?